Gordonstoun School appoints first female principal in its history 4 Nov 2016

Gordonstoun, in Moray has announced that experienced businesswoman Lisa Kerr will take up the role of Principal. The appointment is part of a re-structuring of the school’s leadership team which includes the appointment of current head of the senior school, Titus Edge, as headmaster.

Ms Kerr will provide an overall vision and direction for the school’s development as well as providing support to pupils and staff while Mr Edge will be in charge of the day-to-day running.

Ms Kerr will take over from current principal Simon Reid who is leaving after six years to take up the position of headmaster of Christ’s Hospital in Sussex in September 2017.

Dr Eve Poole, chair of the governors, said: “I am delighted to announce this new leadership team which combines strong educational credentials with the full range of strategic, business and development skills to deliver our vision for Gordonstoun as the world leader in character education. This formidable team has over 40 years direct experience of Gordonstoun as pupil, staff member, parent and governor.”

Ms Kerr added: “I have been involved with schools for 15 years and with Gordonstoun for over a decade. I am tremendously excited by this opportunity to work with an amazingly dedicated staff at a school which leads the way in character education. From my business background, I know that the broad education which Gordonstoun provides has never been more important.”

Ms Kerr spent twenty years working in commercial media before setting up a consultancy applying her business experience across a range of sectors including health, technology, transport, media and the arts. Her non-executive portfolio included seven years on the board of Scottish Opera, where she served as vice chair.

She comes from a family of educationalists, has an honours degree in music, has been a governor at Gordonstoun for over 10 years. Gordonstoun was founded in 1934 and became one of the UK’s first co-educational all-through boarding schools in 1972. As well as seeking to fulfill academic potential, Gordonstoun offers a broader education with a focus on outdoor experiences and expeditions. The school was the birthplace of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Outward Bound Movement. Former pupils include Zara Philips, Olympic gold medallist Heather Stanning, author William Boyd and investigative journalist Liz MacKean.